DOHA: The GSMA has launched an industry-wide Humanitarian Connectivity Charter, demonstrating the mobile industry’s commitment to support customers and responders before and during humanitarian emergencies.
Through the charter, mobile network operators will commit to a common set of principles and work towards the adoption of initiatives focused on humanitarian connectivity.
The initiative aims to create a more coordinated and predictable response to disasters.
The first operators to adopt the principles of the charter are Axiata, Etisalat, Ooredoo and Smart Communications, which collectively represent over one billion subscribers in 35 countries.
“Mobile networks and connectivity they provide can be a lifeline for those affected by natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies,” said Anne Bouverot, Director-General, GSMA.
“To date, mobile operators, through services such as early warning systems and SMS information campaigns, have demonstrated their commitment to citizens during adverse events.
“The charter will strengthen preparedness and collaboration within the industry, ensuring that mobile operators are undertaking measures to prepare their operations, support subscribers and equip responders to face the growing challenge presented by humanitarian emergencies around the world.”
The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, said, “I congratulate GSMA and its membership on developing this partnership with the humanitarian community, which will enable people affected by crises to gain access to vital communications.”
“Ooredoo and the founding signatories believe that our industry has a clear and vital role to play in advance of and during humanitarian disasters,” said Dr Nasser Marafih, Group CEO, Ooredoo, and Chairman, Board of GSMA Mobile for Development Foundation.
“By adopting the principles of the charter, we are looking to take our activities in this area to the next level and we believe there is scope to enhance and improve our efforts with cooperation and collaboration across the mobile industry.”
The launch of the charter reflects the growing recognition within the mobile industry and among government and responding stakeholders of the crucial role mobile plays during humanitarian crises.
Ooredoo Maldives has used mobile services to help people in crisis. When a fire at the main water and sewage plant in Male left thousands without fresh water, the company provided a tracking service that enabled people to locate water units on their mobile devices.
The Peninsula
